"The class LOVED the virtual visit... I think it was the highlight of the class!"

Caty Pilachowski, Astronomy Professor, Indiana University,
former President American Astronomical Society

Participation in a Live From Gemini event is a great way to engage your students with a virtual visit to the Gemini Observatory. The program is inquiry-based and adaptable to a wide range of learners who participate in a one-on-one video conference with an expert host live from one of the Gemini control rooms. During the program students are introduced to the operation of a modern astronomical observatory, the technology that makes observations possible and exciting and recent discoveries. Live From Gemini fulfills a wide range of National (and most state) Science Standards for US students as well as international education systems which include, (but are not limited to):

understanding scientific inquiry;
understanding about science and technology implementation;
science as a human endeavor;
science and technology in local, national, and global challenges;
interactions of energy and matter;
origin and evolution of the universe;
nature of scientific knowledge.

In the publication, National Science Education Standards, it is stated that, "The classroom is a limited environment. The school science program must extend beyond the walls of the school to the resources of the community. Our nation's communities have many specialists..." With this in mind, Live From Gemini shares our educational resources with a diverse range of learners and expands the walls of the classroom globally. Programs can also include a Virtual Tour of the Gemini North telescope facility. All programs are approximately 45-60 minutes in duration and include time for a live Q&A session. In addition, programs can be customized in content areas that include:

The electromagnetic spectrum;
Wavefront optics (adaptive and active optics);
Telescopes as time-machines;
Concepts in modern astronomy such as planetary system formation;
Galactic evolution, stellar evolution, cosmology;
Spectroscopy & Imaging instruments and techniques;
Other topics upon request and availability of expertise.

Programs can be scheduled at any time of the day, but require a minimum of two weeks advance booking. Preference will be given to the partner countries participating in Gemini which include: US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and South Korea. (non-English or Spanish speaking classes will require a translator from the requesting class.)

Please fill out this Google form to receive a Live from Gemini presentation for your educational group.

Background Information

The international Gemini Observatory, a program of NSF’s NOIRLab offers this innovative educational opportunity designed to share live science with audiences from elementary schools to Astro 101 students. Advancements in video conferencing allow any classroom (or individual students) with internet access to participate. Hosted by an astronomer/educator, "Live from Gemini'' takes audiences to a Gemini Observatory control room where participants experience a genuine observatory environment. The program is customizable to each class and current topics of study and also includes a multi-media overview of the observatory and its operations, followed by recent science highlights and ends with an interactive Q&A session.